Well, July 3rd came with little trepidation. It was the day of my reinfusion, or official transplant day. I was excited, but still fatigued. I had heard about all the scenarios that could make stem cell reinfusion a bit uncomfortable. I had my camera team ready. No immediate family were in the country. So, Matt ‘volunterred’ to be my videographer and Anastasia ‘agreed’ to take photos. I had forgotten how the prep for the reinfusion is simpler and shorter than the actual procedure.

The extended prep time allowed me to use my laptop for a bit.

Now, the team was ready, but I wanted to lay down and not be propped up on one pillow.

I asked Dr. Fedorenko about the liquid nitrogen process and he showed me how it would be thawed.

This is how simple it is to get your own stem cells back. By the way, the whole time, Dr. Fedorenko was asking me about my symptoms. Slight metallic taste at the back of my throat, I coughed a few times, and saw a few black dots. My stomach hurt a bit. I wanted to go to sleep : )

No bone crushing men sitting on my chest, no smell of creamed corn. It all went very smoothly and quickly. What I did not know until it was all over was my heart rate was all over the place during the procedure. Another EKG was scheduled for the next morning.

One bag was already done. Remember, it took me two days to collect the 2 million that I needed. If you are squeamish, look away. Remember, stem cells are bloody red!

The next bag was getting ready for reinfusion, by placing them into the vials. Effortless reinfusion because of our wonderful jugular catheter. Bag one is completed! Bag two went quickly too!

After a much needed nap, Sheila and I celebrated our new birthdays, on July 3, 2014. We enjoyed the traditional throwing of the liquid nitrogen down the hallway.

Dr. Fedorenko presented the New Life Pin to both of us. It’s the symbol of the Iris.My dad used to plant many irises, so it has an extra significance of importance to me!

It was a very happy day and we celebrated by sharing chocolate, not vodka!

Then we gathered the four of us who celebratedour new birthdays in the last two days!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Last year we celebrated the fourth of July by enjoying all our neighbors at the Millers driveway party : )